Removing CFL bulb

Artcvg · Post by **Artcvg** » Sat Sep 26, 2020 6:51 pm

The CFL (?) bulb in my bathroom finally gave up after 9 years. I opened up the glass covering but I’m struggling to pull it out of the socket. Is there a trick to getting these out? It felt like it would crack if I pulled any more.

Ken010 · Post by **Ken010** » Sat Sep 26, 2020 7:55 pm

If the Bulb is anything like the following.

Lectrolite 3 Pack of 11w = 50w GU10 CFL Energy Saving Warm 2700k or Cool White 4000k Spot Light Bulb 240v (Warm White 2700k)

Then it should be capable of being removed much the same as a standard "down-lighter" bulb, push gently up and twist.

Ken.

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Sat Sep 26, 2020 10:33 pm

as ken says
is it screw or bayonet??
if you can push it back in a bit or wobble slightly it will probably be a bayonet then push and anticlock wise perhaps 5mm
otherwise anti clock wise unscrew

Artcvg · Post by **Artcvg** » Sun Sep 27, 2020 8:39 am

I can’t really see what the fitting is as I’ve never had to replace one of these bathroom bulbs before. In other rooms in my flat bulbs are all CFLs with 4pin connectors. So this is probably the same. Those require quite a bit of force, but at least I can reach the top, with the narrow housing here I can only grip onto the glass tubes.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Sun Sep 27, 2020 9:13 am

Thinking laterally, could you feed a string loop up and around the base of the light and carefully manouvre it as you pull the loop tight to get a purchase? A combined downward force of string and finger pull might do it.

DWD

adonis · Post by **adonis** » Sun Sep 27, 2020 10:34 am

I had to replace a similar one in work, it just needed to be pulled out,
the glass came away from the base and the base was pulled out with pliers.

If you have a new bulb see how it fits to make sure and turn electric off and wear gloves while you do it.

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sun Sep 27, 2020 10:38 am

Sorry to point this out, but how will he have a new lamp unless he takes the old one out first to find out what it is?

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sun Sep 27, 2020 10:42 am

Artcvg, have you got any other light fittings just like this one? if so can you take a lamp out of one of them to see what it is?

The other thing I am thinking is it looks like that fitting was designed for that specific lamp, and so as CFL lamps are not in favour can you get a lamp that will fit? I am thinking it may be easier / better to change the whole fitting and use an LED lamp

Artcvg · Post by **Artcvg** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 4:29 pm

Thanks everyone for your advice. All the other bulbs in my flat are CFL 4 pin, but they are all 2 prong rather than 3 prong and none are in recessed housings, this is the first of this type that has ever broken.
I think I will probably get an electrician to see what it is and likely change the whole fitting.

Bob225 · Post by **Bob225** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 4:59 pm

That looks like a 4 pin PL-T type, the holder and bulb plastic goes rock hard and brittle, these bulbs are a mare pull and wiggle

Alternatively it may be an ES bulb (Edison screw)

iirc 10-15 years ago the planing departments insisted the PL bulbs be fitted

found the bulb it's a Philips PL-T 18W with a round base (2 pin) but also come in 4 pin

eg. https://www.any-lamp.co.uk/philips-pl-t ... hite-2-pin

Artcvg · Post by **Artcvg** » Tue Oct 06, 2020 10:31 am

Thanks - electrician tried to get the bulb out and it just cracked with minimal pressure. Just going to change them all to new fittings with GU10s.